Wales wing George North has described Six Nations title favourites England as "the
team to beat this year".

If England defeat Italy at Twickenham on Sunday week, they will head to Cardiff six days later for an appointment with reigning champions Wales knowing that victory would give them silverware and a first Grand Slam since 2003.

Wales, though, could still retain the Six Nations crown should they defeat Scotland and then England.

"England have been very clinical," North said. "They know how to win games - when to put it up the jumper, when to play. They are the team to beat this year.

"They are leading the table with two games to go. You never know what is going to happen against Italy, who showed against France they can perform.

"But when England come to Cardiff, it will be all or nothing, I guess,"